QBO Innovation Hub, the Philippines' first public-private initiative for startup ecosystem development, unveiled the top 100 most promising startups from a wide array of industries across the country at the Sinigang Valley Conference on Nov. 21.
“By featuring them (startups) in this list, our goal is to broaden their reach and catalyze further opportunities for innovation and growth in their respective fields," QBO Executive Director Katrina Rausa Chan said during the announcement at the Blue Leaf Pavilion in Taguig City.
As one of the highlights of the Philippine Startup Week 2023 (PHSW23), the Top 100 Startups SHOWQASE by QBO served as the ultimate showcase of Filipino startups disrupting industries, shaping the future of technology, and paving the way toward bringing Filipino innovation to greater heights.
The industries represented include agriculture; artificial intelligence (AI); automotive; blockchain and cryptocurrency; climate and sustainability; construction technology and real estate; creator economy; education technology; and energy.
Also highlighted were startups from enterprise solutions; entertainment, gaming, and e-sports; finance; healthcare; human resources; Internet of Things (IoT); logistics and supply chain; retail and e-commerce; social commerce; software as a service (SaaS); transport; and tourism.
This year's list of startups includes Bossjob, Packworks, Britana, Dehusk, Hey Roomie, Mylo Speech Buddy, and Prosperna.
QBO, established in 2016, is a programmatic arm of IdeaSpace Foundation, partnering with IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
QBO aims to establish a competitive ecosystem in the Philippines by leveraging the transformative potential of Filipino startups globally and fostering the country's status as a startup powerhouse.
The PHSW23, focusing on investing in Filipino homegrown heroes as global game changers, will take place from Nov. 20 to Nov. 24, involving local startup community discussions including Filipino startups' investment landscape, the role of women-led businesses, the use of AI, and opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs’ regional and international expansion.
The five-day conference also features over 50 community events spearheaded by various partners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and is expected to draw over 3,000 in-person attendees nationwide, over 150 speakers, and over 100 startups.
Since its inception in 2019, PHSW continues to be the biggest startup conference in the country and has drawn over 10,000 registrants from different parts of the world, showcased over 260 Filipino startups, and hosted community events with over 50 partners conducted nationwide.
This year’s event is organized by DOST, DTI, and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), with support from QBO and Sinigang Valley Association.